Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.14.7
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyDevotees Care For Everyone’s Welfare
“Therefore all the great sages assembled together and, after observing cruel Vena’s atrocities, concluded that a great danger and catastrophe was approaching the people of the world. Thus out of compassion they began to talk amongst themselves, for they themselves were the performers of the sacrifices.”
What the purport teaches
- Seeing Vena’s cruel and irresponsible conduct, the sages recognized a great danger to the people. Compassion moved them to consult one another.
- Actual devotees and saintly persons are not indifferent to society’s welfare. They want people to be happy both materially and spiritually.
- The purport contrasts this concern with seeking money for sense gratification or remaining socially aloof while considering liberation. The sages worked together to find a way out of the danger.
Try this today
Ask someone how they are doing today, and listen for both practical and spiritual concerns.
Ask yourself
Does my spiritual practice deepen my concern for other people’s welfare?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.